State Supported Mass Genetic Screening Programs

Abstract

This presentation is to briefly survey the development of laws which mandated (1) neonatal screening for human genetic disease and (2) adult screening for genetic traits. Extended discussion of the genesis of the phenylketonuria (1) (PKU) and sickle cell trait (2–4) screening laws are available. I will also discuss in more detail recent expansion of government supported mass genetic screening in the United States. Much of this information was obtained through a mail survey of the state public health departments that I made during February of 1975. My purpose here is to be descriptive; I leave analysis of the important constitutional questions raised by mass genetic screening for another time (5,6).

Powledge, T.M., Genetic screening as a political and social development, in “Ethical, Social and Legal Dimensions of Screening for Human Genetic Disease,” D. Bergsma (ed.) p. 25, Stratton Intercontinental Medical Book Corporation, New York (1974).Google Scholar

Green, H.P. and Capron, A.M., Issues of law and public policy in genetic screening, in “Ethical, Social and Legal Dimensions of Screening for Human Genetic Disease,” D. Bergsma (ed.), p. 57, Stratton Intercontinental Medical Book Corporation, New York (1974).Google Scholar